Creative Expression

Artist Nancy Mauck sits in a Jonathan Adler chair in her Westham Ridge home. The Midcentury wall sculpture is by C. Jeré from Lewis Trimble. (Photo by Barry Fitzgerald)

Much like her expressive paintings, artist Nancy Mauck’s home is dynamic. Thoughtfully blending styles and layering unexpected colors and materials, she has created a home that is a sophisticated work of art.

The home was once a modest ranch. Built in 1953, it was remodeled in the 1980s by previous owners with help from architect Robert W. Stewart, who designed the large two-story addition. (Photo by Barry Fitzgerald)

A neutral color palette, with lavender and acid yellow accents, allows the décor and art to shine. The painting above the fireplace is by Sheila Giolitti. The trumeau mirror is from Janie Molster Designs. (Photo by Barry Fitzgerald)

Arriving at the Maucks' Westham Ridge home, you wouldn’t know that the lofty, modern structure was once a humble ranch. Built in 1953, the modest house was remodeled in the 1980s by previous owners with help from architect Robert W. Stewart, who designed a large two-story addition. Stewart is known for his noteworthy projects throughout the state, such as the north and south wings of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Nancy and husband Billy, an attorney with Spotts Fain, drew their decorating inspiration from both the original 1950s home and the modern aspects of the 1980s addition. Just as Nancy curates her large collection of art with precision, she is deliberate with décor, using her keen eye to mix styles and colors. “While we love the minimal, streamlined, uncluttered freshness of Midcentury modern interiors and furnishings,” says Nancy, “we also love the warmth and weight of more traditional pieces as well. Achieving a balance was the goal.”

Nancy, a Richmond-based artist, has captured many notable Virginians with her commissioned portraits. She painted former Gov. Bob McDonnell’s official portrait, along with a personal portrait for the family of U.S. Sen.Tim Kaine. Other subjects include former First Ladies of Virginia — Susan Allen (wife of George Allen) and Lisa Collis (wife of U.S. Sen. Mark Warner).

You’d be hard-pressed to find a wall in the Mauck home that isn’t adorned with art. Pieces by local and national artists, family portraits painted by Nancy herself, along with photographs and paintings by her daughter are found throughout. With artists on Billy’s and Nancy’s sides of the family, art naturally is a passion for them both. On their travels, they visit galleries and bring back pieces to add to their impressive home collection.

“As an artist, I wanted the house to feel artistic and inspiring,” says Nancy. “But, at the same time, it needed to be comfortable and inviting — an easy place to live in.”

When the Maucks purchased their home eight years ago, they “fell in love with it just as it was,” Nancy says. But, the couple had a few ideas of their own to add their personal touch.

They started by opening up the foyer. Jeff Graeber of Graeber Homes took out the wall that divided the entrance from the living and dining rooms, creating a flowing floor plan. A custom railing with antique wooden balusters from Caravati’s Architectural Salvage replaced the wall. A new staircase was built by Custom Ornamental Iron, and Nancy added her own artistic touch by designing the railings.

The latest project, finished right before the new year, was a 4-month-long kitchen renovation. The Maucks’ friend and interior designer Janie Molster helped to bring their creative vision to fruition. Since the Maucks purchased the home, Molster has guided them through the interior design process, giving design input and sourcing products and materials. “Our longtime friendship and the mutual creative respect we have for each other made this a successful, easy, fun process,” Nancy says.

“The Maucks' home is a fresh change from the typical brick colonials that Richmond is known for, so it was a great opportunity for me to design a contemporary garden to complement the space,” Baruch says.

Baruch started with the main entrance, creating a contemporary and inviting space that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Working with a stonemason and pond contractor, they created a sleek wall of stacked thin slate stones with custom-made copper scuppers that spill water into a tranquil pool below.

“The water animates the space and is beautiful from both inside and outside the home,” Baruch says. A solid front door was swapped out for a minimalist glass door, and two signed Frank Lloyd Wright limestone urns flank the new entrance.

Off the side of the house, Baruch helped to revamp a patio, replacing a simple concrete slab with a patterned bluestone floor. Sculptural Montauk Nest chairs from West Elm paired with traditional furnishings and a fire pit table from Restoration Hardware make a cozy setup for outdoor entertaining.

“The house has been transformed into a Midcentury modern gem,” Baruch says, “and I wanted the garden to provide a sense of place to the home.”